I think, it is very difficult to say what the truth is. If it is really the same as Viru is saying, then it is really a bad news. Everyone would want tht politics should not get involved in the games. Ranji matches are really important as far as the domestic cricket is concerned and should be looked at with great respect. And now after Virender Sehwag, as you said it's the turn of Gautam Gambhir and Ishant Sharma etc. to threaten to quit the Delhi team. The reason according to them is fairly obvious. These guys are unhappy with the Delhi Cricket Association's sports committee. The reason being that they interfered in the selection process and took undue part in corruption. Now that is what these players feel. And it's the most arguable thing. No one knows if that exactly happened or not. These are surely not good things to happen. Cricket is adored in India like anything. And when players like Viru and Gambhir say such things, they surely dishearten fans like you and me. Let's hope that all goes well with the Delhi team and that the "Daredevils" remain in the Delhi team and give the dues for which the spectators pay for come to see their favourites play.

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Yuvraj really saved the day for the Indians. His impact is not new to Indian cricket and on Indian cricket. Some years back it was Sunil Gavaskar, then the Record Master, Sachin Tendulkar ruled and is still doing so, showing his vintage form. And as his career is coming to a glories end, his place will not be empty - so thinks Yuvraj. From his sensational partnership with Mohd. Kaif against England in the Natwest Series while chasing a near impossible 320+ score, to his 6 sixes in an over in the T20 World Cup match against England, from mind boggling catches to sensetional piece of fieldings to run batsmen out, we all have seen what Yuvraj is capable of. A true one day specialist and a one man army.
A one day specialist, a one day specialist ! How long will we hear this? And really, who wants to hear it? If he is a one day specialist, then does this mean he is no good for Tests? How good he is at one dayers - and even better in the shortest form T20 - we all have seen. And how important he is in Tests , this fact he has proved himself. And each cricketing buff has seen it, and knows it. He was ignored for the Tests all these many months shows in the fact that Yuvraj has played only Test in more than 12 months now. There was a time when Sachin Tendulkar was understood in the team. That was because of his merits. No one ever questioned his inclusion. Again because that was because of his merits. But had he not been included, then the selectors were surly questionable. First Sachin was ''selected'', then the captain + 9 others. Such an impact this little Champ possesses. The same can and should happen now the Yuvraj. He has proved himself time and again. With his bat doing the talking, he silenced his critics. He literally made them dumb. His exquisite cuts, drives and pulls are a cooling stuff to the eyes. Ears love to hear his bat coming hard to the ball. His fielding abilities are second only to the great Jonty Rhodes. Known as the Indian Jonty Rhodes, he has proved his point at point all the time. His back to back centuries agaisnt England in November can be remembered at this stage.

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I think India has the guts to come back again strongly as they did in exactly the same WC 2 years back. According to Dhoni, when India is under pressure, they perform well. India needs to win the second of their Super 8's match against the Englishmen on Sunday to keep their hopes alive of remaining in the competition and defending the title that they had won two years ago in style in South Africa. If they have to win the match against England, they will have to dominate every area of the game and will have to perform like complete pros. The unexpected 7-wicket loss to West Indies should provide as an eye-opener to Team India. There are a lot of concerns for India to handle and rectify to remain the competition. The short-pitched bowling from West Indies was the backbone reason why India lost to West Indies. The Indian batsmen just could find no answer to these rising deliveries. Dhoni himself has been a failure with the bat. In the last game he played an innings suitable for Tests. The first and the final overs too are proving too costly and runs need to be curtailed especially in these overs. On the other hand, England too needs to win the match to remain the competition. They too have lost a match in the Super 8's. And if they don't win against India on Sunday, then they are virtually out of the tournament - they have just huffed and puffed into the Super 8's. The England captain Paul Collingwood has already issued a warning to India and they are going to play tough cricket. Well, not only England, but also India has to play tough cricket and win both the remaining matches to think of defending the title.

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India succumbed to the pressure and lost to West Indies in a crucial Super 8's match - the first for India. India's batting was let down for the first time in this tournament and the bowling just was not enough to defend the total of 153. West Indies won the match by 7 wickets. M S Dhoni won the toss and elected to bat first. But he did not get the start that he had in his mind. The makeshift opener in Rohit Sharma failed to a rising delivery from Edwards. He attempted a pull shot just the very next delivery after hitting a boundary. One down Raina came in at his usual spot but could not do what he usually does. He did not trouble the scorers much and was castled by Edwards again. And again this was a short-pitched delivery. Both Sharma and Raina were castled by Edwards for the individual scores of 5. The team total read 2 for 27 in around 4 overs. Yuvraj then walked in to give company go Gambhir. Bravo was the first change bowler for West Indies. And it worked straight away. 2 runs later, Gambhir was yet another victim of a short-pitched delivery from Bravo. Simmons took his second catch to send Gambhir back. Simmons ran some 8-10 meters back and took a stunning catch almost single-handedly. The Indians were searching for some space and were poorly placed at 40 for 3 in 6 overs. Yuvraj and Dhoni tried to steady the ship caught in the hurricane created by the pace trio and batted cautiously. Such slow was the batting of the Indian skipper that he managed only 11 from 23 balls. Yuvraj on the other hand as usual tried to make things happen. He took some risks early on. And they paid. Playing safely, he started to increase the run-rate that had fallen miserably which at one stage was over 7. Bravo removed Dhoni's gloomy innings when Fletcher caught him on the square boundary. Then walked in Yusuf Pathan. When the Indian total was 75, Yuvraj hit the first six of the Indian innings and then things started to happen. In the meantime, Yuvraj got a life from Fletcher when he could not hold on to a seemingly easy diving catch again on the boundary line. Otherwise it would have been difficult times for India. Fours and sixes started raining and except Irfan Pathan all the remaining batsmen scored good to take the Indian total past the 150 run mark. Yuvraj hit fiery 67 off 43 while the injured Yusuf braving his shoulder injury hit 31 in little time. Harbhajan hit 3 fours off the final 3 balls of the India innings. But it was a whirlwind innings from the Mumbai Indians' team member Dwayne Bravo who his 66 off just 36 balls to dampen the Indian hopes of a surprise win. He hit 3 huge sixes. After getting Gayle and Fletcher speedily out quite early in the innings, the Indians might have fancied their chances. But the speed-breaker called Bravo came between the Indians and the win and made sure that not only the wickets remained intact but also the scoreboard was kept moving. He along with Simmons took the score to the three figure mark.

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Bangladesh bites the dust this time. After Australia and Scotland Bangladesh is the third team to bow out of the second edition of the T20 World Cup. So, till now Australia and Bangladesh are the two Test playing nations to go out of the tournament.
After putting up a decent performance against India, Bangladesh seemed to be doing all wrong. In the score of 137 for 8, Bangladesh never really had any partnership going. The best among the partnerships was that of only 25 for the second wicket. And out of the total of the 8 wickets to fall, 7 were sent back inside the 100 run mark - 94 to be precise. All this shows how disciplined the Irish bowling attack was against a team that is ranked higher than theirs.
Ireland's 6-wicket win ensures that Bangladesh is out of the T20 World Cup. Ireland had earlier scored an upset win over Pakistan to send them packing in the 2007 World Cup. Bangladesh having been beaten by India earlier has been again beaten by Ireland.
When wickets were falling in a hurry one after the other, it was only due to Mashrafe Mortaza's late flourish of 33 that, the Bangladeshi score got some respectability. In the tournament having already noticed an upset from match 1 itself, the Bangla team might have long understood that the score was not a safe one. And if Netherlands could beat England - their higher ranked opponents - Ireland can do this to us too. And the fear came true when Ireland overhauled their total of 137 in just 18.2 overs for the loss of only 4 wickets.
O'Brian brothers did the trick for Ireland. Niall and Kevin almost single-familedly one the match for Ireland. Niall socred a 25 ball 40 which had 3 sixes to boast of while Kevin's unbeaten 39 came off only 17 balls.

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I think India lived upto her expectations and reputation to win their rain affected final league match of 18 overs against the minnows - Ireland. The two architects of Indian win were Zaheer Khan and Rohit Sharma. A fine spell (4 for 19) from Zaheer Khan upfront landed Ireland in neck-deep trouble. He could have had a chance of taking a 5 wicket haul if he had finished his quota of 4 overs. After a tidy first over from Irfan Pathan, Zaheer got to work stright away. He finished his first over by bowling a fuller delivery that sent Bray's stump flying. He came back in his next over to force Porterfield to edge the very first ball to Yusuf Pathan who took a regulation catch at first slip. Botha then walked in with a responsibility of dening Zaheer a hat-trick which he succeded in. But Zaheer had the last laugh by getting Botha to edge the ball to slip where again Yusuf took another execellent diving catch. 5 of the Irish batsmen were sent back even before the team total had reached 50. Andrew White top scored with a cameo of 29 off 25 balls. Other than White, only 3 other batsmen could reach the double figures. Apart from Zaheer, Ojha was among the wickets again with figures of 2 for 18. Bhajji too cheaped in with a single wicket - his 'doosra' doing the trick for him. The Irish innings folded at 112 for 8. The Indian innings got off to a flying start yet again with the new pair of Gambhir and Rohit Sharma. Rohit Sharma seems to be having an affair with the opening slot as he hasn't yet failed. His unbeaten knock of 52 along with Gambhir's 27 ensured that he low scoring match would not spring up any surprises. Indians reached the target of 113 for the loss of just 2 wickets in 15.3 overs. Along with this win India finished the league with 2 wins out of 2. Both India and Ireland had already qualified for the Super Eight stage as both had beaten Bangladesh earlier. India now face the real test when they take on the West Indies on Friday and the England and South Africa on Sunday and Tuesday respectively in the Group of Death.

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India began their campaign to their World Cup defense in style at Notingham by defeating the 'giant-killers' Bangladesh. India playing without the services of the master Blaster Virender Sehwag put up a good score of 180 on the board before taking all the Bangladeshi wickets for 155 runs and thereby winning by 25 runs.
Rohit Sharma who has been giving company to Gautam Gambhir as an opener since the warm-up games again proved to be a scoring move. Rohit kept his good form going that he had set up in he warm-up games against the Kiwis - 36 off 23 balls and 80 off 53 balls against Pakistan - so much so that he even overshadowed his partner Gambhir.
After taking the score beyond the 50 run mark, Sharma was the first to go. Having scored 36 of 23 balls, he missed out on the opportunity to convert it into a big score. Gambhir on the other hand kept the scoreboard moving by excellent running between the wickets along with Dhoni - yet another good runner between the wickets - who promoted himself at the number 3 spot.
Soon enough Gambhir completed his half-century, but he didn't look quite in his elements as he always is wasn't relaxed and lost his wicket sharp on 50. Because the Bangladeshi bowlers were really bowling some good spells to curb the famed Indian batting line-up. Shakib Al Hasan proved to be a thorn for India as he was the most economical bowler who conceded only 24 runs from his quota of 4 - run a ball.
But as Bangladesh was making mockery of India by bowling tight line and length, in came Yuvraj Singh with some different plans in his mind. The man of the moment duly handled the pressure. Yuvi has always has his 'Raj' over the bowlers as he slammed 41 off just 18 balls that he faced. All the equations went in total disarray as Yuvraj batted India right into the match again. His 41 included 4 huge sixes, which were just watched in total awe by all the spectators along with the 11 on the ground. 67 runs were added in the 5 overs and 59 in the last 4.
The tone for a sure Indian victory was set right then. The newfound spinner for India in Pragyan Ojha spun a web around the Bangladeshi batsmen in which they got entangled. They could never really recover from his strikes. Ojha bowled a memorable spell of 4 for 21 to give India a winning start and the Man of the Match award for himself.

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You are absolutely right. I completely agree with what you have written in you heading. Really Australia have grown poorer and poorer day by day. And all this is happening due to the leadership. Ponting just is not ready to go. He thinks he is the one who is driving the Australian cricket. See he is stuck everywhere. He is the captain of the ODI team. He is the captain of the Test team. And also he is the captain of the T20 team. Isn't there any other guy other than Ponting? This guy is playing this much cricket that his already poor form is becoming poorer and poorer. And due to this Ponting has got a rate distiction. All know that Aussies are famous for their records. So, there is one more record in the feather of Ponting. This man called Ponting has led his team to most T20 DEFEATS. Yes, you read it right. Ponting has lost around 10 T20 matches as a captain. Out of these 10 he has lost 5 matches on the trot. Now isn't that too a good record?
r

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Yes and that's quite a good news for all of us. We wanted some other team other than the Aussies to play good cricket. Other than Australia, South Africa and India are playing good cricket. Sri Lanka and West Indies too lifted their games to send Australia packing. I completely agree with the fact that, Australia is nearer to the end of cricketing history. You know, everyone has got his share of luck, be it good or bad. The same is happening with the Aussies. They were so high after the 1996 World Cup that, they became the first country in the history of the game to win the World Cup three times in a row. So, in a way that was their good luck going their way. Now the tide seems to have turned the other way round. And India has a big role to play in that. Since India defeated Australia in their own backyard in the Perth Test - after the infamous Sydeny Test - all seem to be going against the Aussies. They lost the CB series to India too. And the biggest upset was seen just yesterday. The Australian team being knocked out of the T20 World Cup. What's more to come?

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Oh my god! I was shocked to read the news that Holland beat England. I was anaware of the match and the match result. I had completly forgotten about this match and the world cup. When I remembered it for a while during my work, I just imagined to myself that it might surely be England who might have won the match. But to my horror I read right now that, Holland beat England. It was really unlucky of England to lose a World Cup match and that too at the hands of minnows like Holland. I am sure the coach and the support staff will surely find out what might have gone wrong. Upsets are the order of the World Cups these days. In the last ICC World Cup in West Indies, Bangladesh too had defeated India. That defeat sent India out of the World Cup. And the same opponents face each other shortly. So, that too might be at the back of the Indians. But I hope, India do not repeat what they had done then and not exactly what the Englishmen did against Holland.

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Let me first begin with what you said about Sehwag. You said 'when he comes back'. Now that's a point to ponder - will he come back? No doubt, he is a great cricketer. But not in the eyes of the captain. Dhoni wanted Sehwag to play in the warm match. Sehwag refused citing sour shoulder. Now we all know that Sehwag did really have a sour shoulder. But how much it is sour we don't know. Well, both Dhoni and Sehwag want India to defend the title so both might be thinking in their own ways. Sehwag for one might be looking to get match-fit by avoiding the unnecessary match. Dhoni on the other hand might be thinking of giving Sehwag some match practice before they actually begin on the task ahead of them. But reports say that they are not the best of the friends. That's why I think, Dhoni promoted Rohit Sharma up the order. And to Sehwag's disbelief Sharma clicked upfront. Then Dhoni said that there was Ravindra Jadeja too to do the job of the opener. Which clearly meant that he didn't need Sehwag any more. But let's hope that, that is not the case with Sehwag and Dhoni and that both of them will patch as early as possible. That's a great thing for India in general and cricket in particular. The fans are eagerly waiting for this.

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India play Pakistan in a warm up game today - Wednesday - 3rd June. I think, to be honest, this is going to be a real gem of a match. With both Pakistan and India, looking to get the better of the other will really go all out after each other. It will really be a cracker of a match. Pakistan has already been defeated twice by India in the first edition of the ICC World Cup of T20. The first time was during the league stage where India won the match in a super over via a bowl out. But I think, it was the second time that really mattered the most - the finals of the T20 WC. India then became the first Champions for the first time of the inagural World Cup of 20-20. As far as this current match is concerned, I think, it will be a wait and watch type. Let's keep our fingures crossed and hope that India wins. I am saying this because, India is currently under a spate of injuries, which India doesn't want at this stage. Pakistan will really take this opportunity to unsettle India's confidence.

Though the lack of form of Gambhir and Dhoni can give some sleepless nights for India, along with the lack of form of Sehwat. To add to it even Zaheer Khan is still not fully fit and as per Mahi's statement he can't even play in the first game against Bangladesh at the weekend. Time doens't seem to be on India's side this time around. But each game is a new game and each day is a new day. Saying this only can we give ourselves some respite and say that Team India can overcome all the obstacles and get on top.

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A loss is a loss. But still, I think, the practice matches are their to learn for. And these failures shouldn't be taken so seriously, though it's a loss. But you should see the brighter side of the match. Though the lack of form of Gambhir and Dhoni can give some sleepless nights for India, along with the lack of form of Sehwat. To add to it even Zaheer Khan is still not fully fit and as per Mahi's statement he can't even play in the first game against Bangladesh at the weekend. Time doens't seem to be on India's side this time around.But each game is a new game and each day is a new day. Saying this only can we give ourselves some respite and say that Team India can overcome all the obstacles and get on top.

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The DLF IPL gave not one but surely more than one talent. Let's first take into account the flaymbount innings by Manish Pandey. He was really a revolution at the end of the tournament. Then there was (Pragyan - I am not sure of the name) Ojha. He was in the Deccan Chargers team. He gave regular breakthroughs for Gilly and that really helped him to go on the offensive. Then there was Raina, R P Singh, Munaf Patel and such who again regained their form. I hope they will perform good for the upcoming T2o World Cup. If these players are again in their same form in England, I am sure Mahi and his men would surely repeat the feat which they had performed two years ago at the same place. And like OZ India would also be counted as a team that has defended the WORLD CUP.

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The Deccan Chargers are the new champions of the DLF IPL II. I think, Gilly led the team well and they deserved a win right through. They deserved the win outright. Gilchrist is a great leader. His leadership qualities came to the fore during the IPL season. Even if he could not be a regular captian during his Australian stinct, he made amends of the opportunity that came his way. He used his resources so stunningly well that he came out with a very very postive result. He knows how to get the most out of his resources. And a leader is like this. That's why he has got the most deserving trophy of contemporary cricket.

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Surely he seemed so while batting and winning the match for the Deccans single-handedly. He by scoring that famous half-century, also created history for the IPL by reaching the 50 run mark in the fatest possible way. Had that been any other match I don't think that would have in any way made any difference to his batting style. Afterall it's his nature to do so and he will do that whatever may the situation be. Hungry? Well, he still is. His retirement from the Australian squad will never mean that he has had enough. By and by he is getting younger and younger like Jayasuriya. And there is a word of caution for his opponants. If it's again his day in the finals, then the other finalist - which will be decided on Saturday who will be either the CSK or the RCB - is literally doomed.

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Without doubt yes. I would say, India is presently in such a mood that even the Aussies failed to stop them. I would say especially the bowling department has improved a bit. Because that has been a concern for India over so many years - the bowling. And as usual the batting too is on a high. In the last ODI played, when India scored a mamoth 392, in that match, Sehwag had failed very miserably. Honestly, he did not scored according to his reputation in that match. Then destructors like Sachin, Yuvraj, Dhoni and Raina did the job for India. The point to mention is that when someone fails the other does the job for his team. Even Gambhir was not in the best of the touch. But he too showed why is among the best of the Indian batsmen in the 4th ODI scored a sound half-century. But Sehwag was in his discructive mood scored a super fast century with half a dozen sixes.To come back with the point that you are mentioning, Saurav Ganguly in a statement said that the current team is not the BEST EVER. While Sachin on the other hand has said that the current batting line is the best ever - that is of all time. However, our fielding department is still too weak. And this needs to be improved by Kirsten and Robin Singh in tandem. Otherwise there is no stopping the Men in Dark Blue!

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Affiliate Marketting is quite a good option. But the most important factor of this is that you should have a good blog and a great traffic. When I say great, now, I mean you should get thousands of hits - almost daily. The basic plan is that you should have at least 10,000 visiters daily. Then only you can thnk of some affiliate program working for you. Till then start with some good traffic exchange programs. Now why this? Whatever may you think, you need to take help of some of these programs so that you get some visitor base. And yes, to make your visitor come to you again and again, you need to keep your blog posts updated as often as you can. Do always keep fresh content with useful links. Try to post as original and useful content as you can. Initially, you will be very very disappointed, and you will lose out of patience and feel like leaving all this due to sheer frustration. Try to comment on blogs with great traffic. Comment frequently so that your name is listed on their minds. Keep doing all the other pluse things that you can and slowly see the difference. You some program that will give you an idea where your traffic comes from and how much daily. And then when you get the general idea - you can give the final stroke.

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Spread the message of love.
In Webdings the following means

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY TO ALL

!!!HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY TO ALL!!!

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In these days of high speed, we find hardly any time at our disposal. Even 24 hours are not sufficient. (But will even 48 hours be??) But the problem is that, we don't manage our time properly. So, we think we are running out of time. If there are even 20 people unmanaged, they seem to be a crowd. But make them stand in a queue, and even small space is enough. It's all about management.

• Before going to bed, make a list of your work, that you expect to do the next day.
• Along with that, add even those works to the list, which you could not complete, or remained incomplete due to lack of time or any other reason.
• On Sundays, or on any holidays, make a list of the works that you want to complete within a week or a month.
• As and when you come across a new work, write it down. Make a habit of keeping a diary and a pen ready.
• While making a list, write the work by priority, so that while doing these works, you will come across the important works first.
• When you feel enthusiastic, when your spirits are high, try to complete the most important [(and boring) actually no work should be boring] works first.
• If any of your works is lengthy, divide them into smaller work-groups and set deadlines for yourself.
• Be on your heels as far as deadlines are concerned. Don't abuse your deadlines, respect them.
• Set reasonable deadlines, such those you can fight against.
• Before setting off for any work, study it thoroughly - how long may it take, how it can be completed, who can help you, what the hurdles might be etc.
• If possible assign works to your juniors and colleagues.
• Increase your decision power - it saves you a lot of time.
• Keep each and every thing you want in its place. The next time you want it, you get it instantly. Finding it at the eleventh hour makes haste and there has been no record of getting things done hastily and accurately. That will surely spoil your work and you will lose your temper too.
• Keep thinking positive when working. But a word of caution - be prepared for the worst.

Follow these simple steps and you will feel the difference yourself.

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It really rocked to see the Pathans bat India to victory. It was the equation of 46 off 26 when I changed the channel with all the batsmen back in the dug-out and India looking and staring at a defeat. When India was first rocked at 14/2, the third wicket partnership looked so strong that, it seemed that Yuvraj and Raina would finish off the job in a matter of time. But the double stroke that India suffered losing both Yuvi and Raina one after the other gave the Islandrs a good chance of a comeback and a fightback. Actually the way Raina got out was very disappointing in a spectator's point of view. The shot to which he got out was really not necessary at that stage. Because he had already hit a six in that over and was looking to go over the top once again. Then Dhoni too got out cheaply. And India really really looked quite hopeless with 7 down and the target suddenly looked ages far. But the way Yusuf and Irfan batted was just breath-taking. I was so disappointed at seeing the Indian plight that I no longer wished to watch the match. But just took a chance to see the score as I couldn't help myself. And I was so lucky to see the reamining match that, I thanked the heavens a million times. Had I not switched the channel, I would have missed a lot of great action which you do not get to see. What was more satisfying was the way Lankan fans were responding. There were so crest-fallen. But all the credit to the Pathans. Congratulations to Team India!

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On 8th February 1999, Anil Kumble worte his name in the history books, when he took all the 10 Pakistani wickets in the Delhi Test at Feroze Shah Kotal. Pak needed 420 to win and got off to a more than flying start when Afridi and Ahmed took the score past 100 run mark.
The first one to take all the 10 wickets in an innings was Jim Laker. Here is the Pakistani second innings with Kumble written all over it.
Shahid Afridi c Mongia b Kumble 41 (101/1)
Ijaz Ahmed b Kumble 0 (101/2)
Inzamam-ul-Haq b Kumble 6 (115/3)
Yousuf Youhana lbw Kumble 0 (115/4)
Moin Khan c Ganguly b Kumble 3 (127/5)
Saeed Anwar c Laxma b Kumble 69 (128/6)
Saleem Malik b Kumble 15 (186/7)
Mushtaq Ahmed c Dravid b Kumble 1 (198/8)
Saqlain Mushtaq lbw Kumble 0 (198/9)
Wasim Akarm c Laxman b Kumble 37 (207/10)

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India looks well set for the no. 1 spot. With both the bowlers and batsmen in form, it doesn't look too difficult now. And India has marched towards this spot by dethrowning Australia from the No. 2 position. Now, SA is no. 1, India is no. 2 and Australia is no.3. But still in the longer version of the game, it's Australia who is still at the top. It will take some tough cricket from Dhoni and his men before his dream of taking India to the top in both the versions of the game is realised. And I think, that day is not too far when it will materialize.
But the loss to Sri Lanka in the final ODI pushed India to the third spot once again. As SA was just for some days at the top of the ICC Team rankings, so was India. But there was a double blow. The first was that, India lost to Sri Lanka. And there Down Under, OZ defeated NZ. So Australia could climb up a spot again.

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Yes. Everyone would advocate this stance taken by the captain. And as far as I know that was not the instance to happen in this series. I think, but am not sure, that something wrong had happened even to Ishant Sharma. This was in one of the previous matches when the 24th over by Yusuf Pathan was on. I am not too sure as to what had happened, but there too play was stopped for a while. Incidents like these were not expected of the Lankans, at least. And when the same thing was repeated the second time, then it was right on the part of Dhoni to lead his team out. And as far as I know, the fielding team's captain has every right to lead his players to safety. Because safety comes first for everyone. And when Dhoni led his team out even at that point of time, Team India's position was strong. It was not as if Dhoni and India wanted to duck away from the match. So I think whatever Dhoni did was absolutely right.

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Of course. There is not even an iota of doubt in this fact. TV replays very loudly screaming that it's Haddin and not Clarke who had bowled out Broom. So, I whole-heartedly agree with what Vettori had to say. Vettori is a very mature and seasoned player. He has been around for a fair bit of time and he knows what is right and wrong to say in front of the media. If the Australians were so aware about public speaking then why did a OZ player in a radio interview speak against McCullm. Was that right then? It does not look good for the Aussies to speak about being honest on the field. All know what had happned there. How the Indians were cheated repeatedly. And along with the Australian team there was Bucknor too. Then there was Andrew Symonds to had openly confessed to being out on 30. And in the same innings he went on to score one of his best scores. So Aussies, please stop complianing now. Learn to accept defeat. I tell you these Aussies don't know how to be greacious in defeats too.Meanwhile the Indians too are suffering again at the hands of poor and childish umpiring. I there are whimps doing the umpiring for the Indo-SL series. First it was Sachin Tendulkar - well not once but twice. One of them at the hands of Kumara Dharmasena. He forgot his dharma - his duties - and gave the best batsman on the earth out. It makes the number game for all very very difficult. Then in the second ODI it was Yuvraj who was given out by Gamini Silva who might need an eye surgery to see properly.I wanna ask why doesn't the ICC use the third umpire and the other technology to adjust the decisions. Rather than depend of stupid people like Gamini Silva, Kumara Dharmasena or Steve Bucknor.

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It is difficult to predict the result so early. So early? The series is already 2 matches old. But yes, still it is not easy to say who will win and by what margin. But I think one thing is for sure, India has a golden opportunity to win the series now. By having worked so hard, they have only themselves to blame for and play bad bad cricket to lose a series from here on. Before the start of the series though, even the media had said that the Lankas are better prepared than that of India. Becase Sri Lanka had played as many as 11 matches in the last two months as against only 5 by India. These 5 matches were all played against only one nation - England. But Sri Lanka played these 11 matches against 3 different opponanats. So, that gave them more variety to Sri Lanka. But the Dhoni led team again made magic and did the unthinkable. They proved all the critics wrong and gave a new hope of becoming the world no. 1 even by toppling SA. They have got a clue of playing Mendis, who I believed was never a real threat. See Ajit Agarkar. He has the record of capturing the first 50 ODI wickets, the fatest. But now what is his plight? I am not accusing or pointing fingers. But I am saying that Indians have studied Mendis quite carefully. That's why he has only 2 wickets in 2 matches. And these two wickets too were of the tail-enders in the second ODI. He went wicketless in the first match. Moreover Yuvi played him better than anytime else. Well as far as the world No. 1 spot is considered, I think, the problem will arise then, when India takes of SA. Till now like me many have suppored SA to play against and defeat OZ. But when India plays SA then it will be a real test. All I can then say is BEST OF LUCK TO TEAM INDIA!

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Parenting. The word says it all. Parenting is quite a tough task these days. The 'Little Masters' make the job of the grown-ups a balancing act. The kids are as whimsical as naughty and as energetic as mischievous. Their parents enjoy these naughty pranks as long as their mood is lighter. But the same pranks may irritate them, if they have lost their cool.Some parents force their kids to behave exactly the way they want. There is no compromise on it. This means T-H-I-S- is their attitude. They want their kids to be like horses proceeding forward as directed by the blinkers. They fail to understand that they are after all kids and have to be handled in their own way. These small kids don't have that much maturity as to understand the gravity of the situation. But the parents feel that, if the kids are given a specific treatment from their innocent age, then they won't behave out of the way. Such parents feel that kids are more obedient on the other side of the compound. These parents are more ambitious about their kids' future and are overtly aware of the cut-throat competition, mostly fearing and thinking on negative lines. Yes, such parents thinking is always on negative terms. But yes, its not a fool's paradise either, but, believe it or not, they do more harm than good to their little ones. And this is no swinging the lead.On the other hand, some parents allow their kids to be kids, they allow them to behave childishly. This way the kids are more relaxed, mentally. This mental relaxation helps them to concentrate, to grasp, to understand things better as mind can be focused on a particular thing, be it as easy as recognizing animals, colours or showing body parts. These parents don't complain that kids don't listen to them. Because they don't force kids into doing things of their choice or important. If any child is addicted to, suppose, video games, these parents, I have seen, don't bother to stop them from playing it. They feel 'how long will they keep playing?' At one point of time they will feel board and stop it on their own.These are two extreme examples of handling kids - one is restricting them, the other is sparing the rod. Some are extreme DOs the others severe DON'Ts. But whatever, there are not fixed guidelines that, certain things will work like jig-saws. Most of the disions have to be taken on the spur of the moment. Both the parents are right in their own ways. After all it's all out of love, ain't it?

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It's a great feeling to see your country a victorious one. Dhoni is the man of the moment. He is doing everything right. His times are such that he can do nothing wrong even if he does so with decision. Anyways, its a great great feeling. Taking a lead early in the series is always what any team is looking whether it is playing in home conditions or away. Gautam Gambhir once again played a crucial knock early in the Indian innings along with Suresh Raina. On one hand where Sri Lanka stiched together a 118 run 2nd wicket partnership, here was India who got 113 run-partnership. Dhoni let by example and played a captains knock. His 61 not out from only 65 balls was the third half-century of the Indian innings. Gambhir, Raina were the other two who not only played some breath taking shots but also took the initiative away from the Lankas after losing Tendulkar early for only 5. But that LBW decision looked rather doubtful; but that made no difference to the two left-handers.

Another thing. When all are talking about the Indian batting spare a thought for the bowlers too, who gave away only 5 extras as compared to 17 by the Lankans. As when we are talking about all this, Dhoni remains as the center of the foucs not only for his batting, but with the precision that he decided to use the batting site powerplay was taken at the most correct time. And he pair that time was Dhoni-Rohit Sharma. These two added around a run a ball. As compared to this the Lankas had not scored much but importantly lost the prize wicket of Jayasuriya.Anyways, congrats again to Team India, and we all look forward to yet another win on Saturday.

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“Welcome to India!” I accosted a fair skinned, elderly looking unknown person, who seemed to be a guest from the west. I spoke to him because I have an uncanny habit of speaking to unknown persons, especially foreigners. “Oh, thank you so much. How kind of you to speak to a stranger like me.” He responded quite warmly. “What brings you here?” “Well, I am not a first time visitor here. I have come to…” “…Meher Baba” I interrupted. “You are absolutely right. Your guess was splendid. How did you guess it?” His eyes lit up on my words, when I said Meher Baba. “I did know from…” “From what?” He was getting impatient. “Because you are not a first timer here.” “That makes no sense to me.” There was a big question mark on his face.
“See” I started explaining, “This is the city of Ahmednagar. It is famous historically because Nehru has written ‘The Discovery of India’ here. And other than this a couple of things here and there add to the historical importance of Ahmednagar. Apart from that Ahmednagar is quite a normal city. And in this normal city why would anyone come here twice from around half the world?” “So?” He still was not getting my point. “So, what other thing remains than seeking Baba’s blessings, peace of mind, a pollution free atmosphere. In pollution-free I mean…” “…Yes I know.” This time he interrupted me. “A mind free of pollution. A soul free of polluted thoughts.”
He then started speaking out his mind to me. “In America we have got almost everything, a whole lot of money. Technologically, the US is so advanced. But human beings don’t share that spirit which I got to see here, in India the first time I came. And I just couldn’t resist the temptation of coming back here the second time. In fact, my mind was reluctant to go back and so was I. See, I am not accusing all the Americans. Some might have good bonding too. I will bet on Indian culture. It is the best in the world. The time span between a marriage and a divorce, if it were to happen, is quite great as compared to the US. Women always respect their husbands. A human, an Indian, really cares for another. See the example is right in front of me. You started speaking to me even though I was totally strange to you.” While speaking all his eyes looked tearsome. And soon tears stood in his eyes. Probably he might have spoken his heart out after a long time. Probably he might have felt at home. He was feeling light at heart and so was I because I made someone feel relaxed – mentally.

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Records, promises, hearts all are here to be breakon. And so are New Year Resolutions. Making a Resolution is becoming an annual practice the world over. Emotions are attached to it too. And resolutions are broken as quickly as they are made. Very few end up sticking to it. Seriously, its fun to make a resolution. And funnier still breaking it. Its like a mockery. Most end up with breaking it, in the first 8-10 days, others, after a month or so (when they have to fight old habits as well as the time), and others'' resolutions don''t even see the light of the day. Another reason for getting the resolution broken is emotions. One gets a lot emotional at midnight 31 rst December & resolves ''something''. Its, of course, over enthusiasm, over confidence and what not? The same amount of confidence and emotional level is difficult to maintain. Because, as long as we decide to do something thats new to us, or something different from our daily boaring routine till the 31rst, we do have the extra energy prompts us to determine something at that time. But when its a nine days wonder one gets board of doing the same ''silly'' things which were once quite important and at the top of our agenda once, comes crashing down. And no wonder its human.
So what are the common resolutions:-
1) Get the '' bad habit'' of drinking out of life ( Its ''bad'' is known only on 31rst! )
2) Quit Smoking ( You know smoking causes cancer! )
3) Lose Weight ( That might cause a heart attack! )
4) Go for morning walks (in the mornings only) ( That might make me lighter! )
5) Check Anger ( Check where to get angry? Or control it because anger burns our own blood! ) These positive things dawn to the resolution makers only around the year end.
But none/few seem to make resolutions like
1) Utilise our own time positively.
2) Do some constructive work for our own family, society and country.
3) Help the poor and the needy.
4) Do at least one such work daily due to which I will not feel embarassed in front of the God.
5) While going to bed, if I revise my day from dawn to dusk, I should be able to have a sound and stressless sleep.

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A smart kid was once being interviewed by the principle of a school. When some questions were thrown at the kid, who answered all of them to the best of his ability, the principle suddenly asked, “Do you believe in God?” “Yes”, said the kid, “do you?” Negative was the principle’s reply. “I am a learned and sophisticated man of the 21rst century. I don’t believe in all such rubbish things. I have faith in only with what I see.” Suddenly the kid asked, “Have you seen your great grand-parents, Sir?” The principle remained spell bound upon hearing this, because he knew the intention of the kid’s question.
Many of us, humans, too behave like this principal, straightforwardly refusing His very own existence. He doesn’t deny ours but we do. A human eye can’t see scores of things in this world, in this universe. Does it then so mean, that they never exist? Let’s consider a very basic example of air. Let alone while awake, we breathe even in our sleep. Who keeps this function going for us? Its not only humans that breathe air. But there are all the species of various birds, animals, insects and even trees and all the innumerable other living beings that breathe air. None of us, however, have seen what air is like. But all have unanimously agreed to this one universal truth. Not only that, He has brought this lifesaving air right up to our nose. We don’t need to go and fetch it from anywhere else. How much more should He serve us? No scientist has still been able to pinpoint that yes, this is what a soul is; it looks like this etc. The Gita says soul is immortal. And we humans’ leap is only up to this mortal and materialistic world. We can only feel this mortal body, but not the immortal soul that resides in all of us. So does it mean that soul doesn’t exist at all? Like air and soul - electricity, fragrance can all be experienced, but not felt physically. Has anyone denied the fragrance in a sweet-looking rose? Where has it come from? Sweet and bitter tasting vegetables grow in the same earth. How come then one is sweet while the other is sour to taste? The stars, the planets, the asterim and all the other celestial beings in this universe are revolving in their orbits for lacs of years now. Who is controlling their pace? Who has held them up from falling down? The temperature of the Sun has not declined even an iota. The seasons have been doing their rounds untiringly. Who is responsible to keep things intact? No doubt, He must be the one who has created all this and under whose authority all remain. In this world other than humans, there are scores of other living beings and still different are the animals in those species. The flora in this universe is varied and no two species are the same in terms of looks or characteristics. In a certain earthquake hundreds of people get buried under the debris, but a small kid is saved miraculously. Each morning and every night, we get awake and go to bed at a certain time. Which power guides us to do this? Each year at a specific time birds migrate to specific locations. And at the end of the season they return without losing their way. How do they find their way back from thousands of kilometers? Who tells them it’s time to migrate? Who shows them the way? Who tells them where to stop? Who tells them to return? Scientists too are bamboozled by these activities. But they could still not come up with satisfactory answers. Are all these examples not enough to conclude that it’s He who exists?

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